Okapis Impressed With Uganda’s Nemostars Progress Ahead Of Men’s African Volleyball Club Championship

Nemostars’ coach Andrew Okapis is impressed with the strides his side is taking to be in shape for Men’s African Club Championship slated for Cairo, Egypt from March 23 to April 1.

Okapis was speaking after his side’s training this week at East Kololo Primary School. “Everyone looks to be positive and in fine shape. Of course there are a few issues we need to work on and improve and that’s the main task we are working on right now,”

Nemostars are preparing for their fourth appearance on the continent, and fly out in six days’ time with hope of bettering their previous performances.

Nemostars blocking

“We are beyond the level of mere participants. This team is strong enough to compete with some of the big boys on the continent. That’s our target, to at least qualify for the knockout stages.

At their first appearance on the continent in 2013, Nemostars were ranked 11th out of 17 teams. That position later deteriorated to 17 out of 21 teams in Tunisia in 2014. Last year in the same country, the three time Uganda champions finished a distant 21st out of 24 teams.

Nemostars patron Neko Muduse-Ojala said; “We are trying to appeal to the public to bail us out. We have always relied on well-wishers to bail us out, the reason we have managed to travel in the past

Nemostars qualified to represent Uganda for the fourth straight year after winning the national league last December; they defeated Sport-S 2-1 in the best of three finals.

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Clive Kyazze

39th ITF/CAT Junior Championships: Osewa Causes Another Upset, Qualify For Semifinal

Nigeria’s Micheal Osewa continued his giant-killing run at the on-going Championship in Pretoria, South Africa with a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 triumph over Jason Espitalier of Mauritius to qualify for the semifinal of the 14&under of the 11-day event which will end on Saturday.

Osewa had on Monday caused the biggest shock of the tournament which attracts about 120 players from 25 countries with a come-from-behind 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over number one seed Younes Adnane of Morocco and, in an identical fashion to his beating of the top seed, he added his opponent from the Indian Ocean Island to his list of casualties in the quarterfinal clash at the High Performance Centre of the University of Pretoria.

The knockout stage has been a complete turnaround for the eighth-seeded Osewa, who started the tournament on a faltering note by losing to Eliakin Coulibaly of Cote d’Ivoire in the preliminary stage.

However, with the likes of second seed Elyes Marouani of Tunisia, Ahmed Atef of Egypt, who is the third seed and Khololwam Montsi, the tenth seeded South African, who halted the incredible run of Nigeria’s Gabriel Friday all still in the race for the title, Osewa still have to up his game if he is to rule Africa.

Nigeria’s coach Mohammed Ubale expressed confidence in Osewa declaring he could beat all his rivals to the title but he was quick to add that he must avoid putting himself under pressure by trailing all the time.

He said: “Osewa is very hungry for success as he has been improving since the first game which he lost. He needs to be calm because he is always eager to hit the winners which he hasn’t been doing perfectly. Psychologically, he is always under big pressure after losing the opening set. He needs to avoid falling behind.”

Osewa is the only player left in contention for a title as the likes of Friday, Christopher Itodo, Christopher Bulus, Adetayo Adetunji, Angel McLeod, Barakat Qaudri and Marylove Edward have all exited from the singles events.

PyeongChang 2018 Making Progress In Delivery Phase

The International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Commission for the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 wrapped up its sixth visit confident that PyeongChang 2018 is moving in the right direction as Games preparations intensify in the final two years.

At a closing news conference with PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee (POCOG) President Yang-ho Cho, Coordination Commission Chair Gunilla Lindberg expressed satisfaction with construction progress at competition venues and congratulated Games organisers for the success of early test events.

The first round of recent test events — the Alpine World Cup, the Snowboard World Cup and the Freestyle Ski World Cup — won praise from athletes and positive reviews from technical experts. The number of events and the workload for PyeongChang 2018 will soon increase dramatically, with 24 test events set for the next winter sports season.

The first test event, the ISU World Cup Short Track Speed Skating, is scheduled for December at the new Gangneung Ice Arena.

Ms Lindberg said, “There is still a lot of work to do, but PyeongChang 2018 is on track to deliver great Olympic Winter Games for Korea and the world. We are pleased with what we have seen and heard during our visit.”

POCOG President Cho said, “This Coordination Commission meeting has been a very productive few days for all of us, sharing constructive feedback and expertise. As we move into the critical operational phase of the Games, I would like to thank the IOC and International Federations for their continued guidance and support. The strong partnership that we share is instrumental to our success.”

He added, “As we have seen with our first test events, our continued cooperation is essential to hosting great Games. With our close cooperation, we will ensure great Olympics and Paralympics in 2018.”

The Coordination Commission’s three-day visit (14-16 March) included a series of venue visits and discussions with POCOG on all aspects of Games preparations, including the athlete experience, legacy planning, sustainability and transport, as well as plans for the Paralympic Games.

Aware that the Rio 2016 Games are fast approaching, POCOG presented its plan to establish the PyeongChang House in Rio de Janeiro during the Games. The facility will showcase winter sports and PyeongChang’s Games preparations.

The visit confirmed that construction on the Ice Arena and other competition venues remains on schedule. The Coordination Commission also noted the strong and growing commercial support for the Games.

Before leaving PyeongChang, the Commission Chair joined a signing ceremony for the newest PyeongChang 2018 partner, Lotte, a partner for department and duty free stores. With the signing, PyeongChang 2018 has reached nearly 70 per cent of its sponsorship goals.

Egypt beatable in Kaduna, Alexandria – Leon Balogun

Defender Leon Balogun insists the Super Eagles have the ability and capacity to come out tops in the two 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying battles against the Pharaohs in Kaduna and Alexandria.

Both teams face off in Group G of the qualifying race, at the Ahmadu Bello, Kaduna on Day 3 and at the Borg el-Arab Stadium, Alexandria on Day 4. Nigeria play host on March 25 and Egypt are hosts four days later.

“We would be targeting to win both matches,” Balogun, who stars for FSV Mainz of Germany, told thenff.com. “If we get the six points, that would ease our path to the Africa Cup finals. Winning will be the principle driving us in both matches.

“Egypt is a big football –playing nation, but Nigeria is also very, very big. There is no complex going into both matches and we have the men to give us victory in Kaduna and away in Egypt.”

Balogun won his first cap for the Eagles in the international friendly against Mexico at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta in March 2014, but missed the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil as a result of injury sustained in that game.

Since then, he has been solid for Nigeria in the defence with a high work rate, churning out impressive performances, most recently against Chad at the start of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in June 2015, and in friendlies against DR Congo and Cameroon in Belgium in October 2015.

Seven Countries Qualify For Jordan 2016, Nigeria Set To qualify

Seven countries have qualified for the fifth edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final competition, which will be staged in Jordan, 30th September – 21st October 2016. They are host Jordan, Japan, North Korea, Canada, USA, Mexico and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Head Coach of the U-17 Women National Team, Flamingos, Bala Nikyu has said that his target is to get a good result in the return leg in South Africa, despite the 6-0 drubbing of Bantwana last Saturday at the Abuja National Stadium. Four goals from Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and two from Yetunde Fajobi gave the Flamingos a comfortable advantage heading into the final leg next weekend in South Africa.

“My girls will not rely on the massive win here in Nigeria. When we confront the South Africans in the return leg, we will try and replicate what we did against Namibia, whom we defeated 4-0 here in Abuja and 5-0 in Windhoek.

“We are also not underrating the Bantwana of South Africa as they will try to reduce the number of goals, but we will be ready for them”.

Nigeria has participated at all previous editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final competitions from New Zealand 2008 to Trinidad and Tobago 2010, Azerbaijan 2012 and Costa Rica 2014. The Flamingos reached the quarter -finals in the last three editions but have promised to surpass this record in Jordan.

CCSF Takes Taekwondo Training To Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

In continuation of its programme, the Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) Taekwondo Team, made up of mostly secondary school students from Government Schools, will be heading to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria to train with the University Team, coached by two-time National Champion, three-time University Champion and Internationally Certified Coach, Alhaji Sani Lawal.

The event is scheduled to take place from 18th-20th March 2016 at the ABU indoor hall, and will have a total of five training segments covering: general fitness, technical-tactical training, taekwondo basics, competitive training and video analysis methodology.

According to the Team Manager for TEAM CCSF, Nicholas Olowo, “the purpose of the program is to inspire athletes and exchange vital training methodologies using the latest daedo electronic technologies”

For Vice-Captain of TEAM CCSF, 18-year old Peter Itiku of Government Secondary School, Garki, it is yet another exciting opportunity for the students.

“I have never been to Kaduna in my life, and now taekwondo is taking me there. We have been consistently training 4 times a week for almost a year, and we are excited to go and practice with university students in a city we have never visited”

Turning her eyes to other benefits of the trip, 14-year old Bukola Ogunnusi, the youngest member of the team explained.

“I have learnt so much in the past year, not only with regards to taekwondo, but other things. For instance, prior to this trip, we held a meeting and had to brainstorm on everything needed for this trip – personal equipment, general equipment, number of persons and project every possible cost like accommodation, transportation, feeding etc. This is new for me, and learning how to be organized has been very helpful to my general studies”

Coach of ABU Taekwondo team is looking forward to welcoming the youngsters.

“I think that this is probably the first time in Taekwondo that a project to connect secondary school youngsters directly with university players is being undertaken. More projects like this undertaken over the years will ensure an early and effective transfer of knowledge to a new generation. We look forward to ensuring the success of this program”

Three-time Olympian, and CEO of CCSF, Chika Chukwumerije emphasized the importance of this project.

“We did not have this kind of opportunities as 15 and 16 year olds but this is the right time to simulate these youngsters. Exposing them early is important to fire their Tokyo 2020 Olympic dream, and guide them towards a golden harvest in the next 2019 All Africa Games.”

Commenting further, the former African Champion noted that,

“Most of them are taking WAEC, but we have taught them consistently how to combine their sports and education. This skill will be vital in the university system and we hope that this three-day program will also give the youngsters a feel of the university system before they get in.

The organizers thanked the FCT Secondary Education Board and the authorities of the Ahmadu Bello University for their support.

NATIONS, POOLS REVEALED FOR 2016 WBSC WOMEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

The World Baseball Softball Confederation today announced that a record 31 nations will be competing at the 15th WBSC Women’s Softball World Championship in Surrey, Canada, from 15-24 July.

The 15th Women’s Softball World Championship in Surrey will bring together the world’s top softball athletes from all five regions, representing the largest global footprint in the event’s history, as eleven nations will be making their women’s world championship debuts.

Stepping onto the women’s softball world stage for the first time are: Brazil, Ecuador, India, Ireland, Israel, Kenya, Pakistan, Peru, Serbia, Switzerland, and Uganda.
Africa (2): Kenya, Uganda
Americas (10): Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Peru, United States, Venezuela, and host Canada;
Asia (6): China, Chinese Taipei, India, Japan, Pakistan, Philippines;
Europe (11): Austria, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Serbia, Switzerland;
Oceania (2): Australia, New Zealand.

WBSC Softball President, Dale McMann said: “The worldwide interest and development of our sport globally is reflected in the widest field of nations participating in the pinnacle women’s softball event, while new nations continue to enrich and emerge upon our sport’s global stage.”

Round Robin sections announced

The 31 nations of the 2016 WBSC Women’s Softball World Championship have been delegated to their respective sections and will open the event with a group round robin:
Section 1: Japan, Venezuela, France;
Section 2: USA, Brazil, Austria, Israel;
Section 3: Australia, Mexico, Switzerland, Serbia;
Section 4: Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Uganda;
Section 5: Chinese Taipei, Puerto Rico, India, Ecuador;
Section 6: Netherlands, Czech Republic, Philippines, Pakistan;
Section 7: China, Cuba, Guatemala, Greece;
Section 8: New Zealand, Italy, Kenya, Peru.

The Women’s National Team of Japan will head to Surrey as the two-time defending world champions, capturing gold medals in Haarlem (NED) in 2014 and Whitehorse (CAN) in 2012.

The United States — the Eagles — have won nine total women’s world championships and took home the silver medal in 2012 and 2014.

Oceania’s Australia — the Aussie Spirit — claimed the bronze medal in Whitehorse and Haarlem.

Host Canada is expected to perform well after their gold-medal win at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.

International selection of Umpires

WBSC has appointed 30 umpires from 18 countries from all corners of the world to officiate in the 15th WBSC Women’s Softball World Championship 2016.

Officials uniting in Surry will be arriving from Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Spain, USA, and Venezuela.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.surrey2016.com.

LMC Announces New Dates For Fixtures Displaced By Continental Engagements

Fixtures involving the three Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs with continental engagements have been rescheduled to accommodate the return leg of the second round of the two Confederation of African Football (CAF) Club competitions which takes place this weekend. The fixtures didn’t follow the two weeks return leg format and are holding just a week after the first legs played last weekend.

Salihu Abubakar, the League Management Company (LMC) Chief Operating Officer announced the adjustments in a communication to the clubs and explained that it has further adjusted the already rescheduled midweek fixtures already billed for Wednesday, March 16 .

According to Abubakar, “these changes would not affect the end of season dates because we have made the adjustments utilizing dates that were in the first place deliberately kept free as a fall back for unforeseen situations such as these. Most of the fixtures will hold during the midseason break and thus will not alter our calendar as such”.

Nasarawa United, Enyimba International were to have played outstanding fixtures from Match Day 2 on Wednesday, March 16 but both teams are billed to travel out late Tuesday for their continental dates, hence the matches are now to hold on March 30. It therefore means that the Match Day 2 fixtures: Enyimba vs Shooting Stars, FC IfeanyiUbah vs Shooting Stars and Wikki Tourists vs Warri Wolves will hold on March 30.

However, the Match Day 8 fixtures involving the clubs and which were to hold midweek of Wednesday, March 23 has been shifted by one day to March 24 to allow the clubs travel time after their return from continental engagements. These fixtures are: Nasarawa United vs Ikorodu United, Akwa United vs Warri Wolves and Enyimba vs Plateau United. The adjustment confirmed that the midseason break will hold from May 23 to June 4.

Below is the complete list of the rescheduled fixtures.

Thursday, March 24
MD 8; Nasarawa vs Ikorodu
Akwa Utd vs Warri Wolves
Enyimba vs Plateau Utd

Wednesday, March 30
MD 2; Enyimba vs 3SC
FCIfeanyiUbah vs Nasarawa
MD 6; Wikki Tourists vs Warri Wolves

Wednesday, April 27
MD 3; Sunshine Stars vs Enyimba
Nasarawa United vs Giwa
MD 7; Warri Wolves vs Abia Warriors

Wednesday, May 4
MD 6; Enyimba vs Heartland)
Nasarawa United vs Shooting Stars

Wednesday, May 11
MD 7; Kano Pillars vs Enyimba
Sunshine Stars vs Nasarawa United

Wednesday, May 25
MD 10; Enyimba vs Warri Wolves
Nasarawa vs Heartland

Wednesday, May 29
MD 12; Enyimba vs Abia Warriors
FCIfeanyiUbah vs Warri Wolves
Nasarawa vs Plateau United

WBC To Expel Any Pro Boxer That Participates At Olympics

The World Boxing Council has released a statement proclaiming that any Professional Boxer that heeds the call of AIBA to compete at the fast approaching Rio 2016 Olympic games will be expelled by the WBC. AIBA President Dr CK Wu had earlier expressed plans by boxing’s governing body AIBA to permit Professional Boxers to compete at the Olympic games, Wu Opined that Boxing was the only sport that didn’t have professionals competing at the games.

Sports Like Tennis, Basketball and Football has got professionals representing their countries.

In a direct response to the AIBA plans the WBC has now released s statement on its website condemning the plan and threatening to expel any professional boxer that fights at RIO 2016, below is the statement as released by the WBC:

WBC STATEMENT:

After the AIBA statement to the media, announcing the possibility of professional boxers competing at the Olympic Games of Rio 2016, and after analyzing the worldwide opinions of the boxing community, sports members and medical advises. The World Boxing Council rules that any world champion or top 15 ranked boxer per divisions of the WBC that participates in the Olympic games would be immediately expelled.

It is not possible to imagine, much less accept a fight between professional boxers, who already have a physical development and more advanced technical skills, facing young fighters that are just starting this process.

Boxing is not a game. There is no scoring with goals or baskets. Rather, it is a contact sport which must be taken seriously. Reasoning must prevail, the function of all bodies must be always care and regulate the safety and healthcare of boxers.